Teachers‘ Dignity coalition (TDC-CEBU) defends colleague in hot seat

The child abuse issue has reached every household in Cebu and has been a very familiar story for over two weeks now. The matter started when a teacher from Mandaue City reportedly forced her students to swallow paper as a punishment for not doing their classroom task. Another teacher from South Cebu reportedly slapped her student for not following his instruction. The list of cases goes on and it’s not only happening in Cebu but in the entire country as well.

We do not tolerate child abuse. If these are true, we will be the first to condemn the actions. But we appeal to the public not to condemn the teachers. A single mistake from a teacher does not mean that all teachers are sinners of the same sin. We shall not put our teachers on a public trial. Teachers like other dignified beings are protected by laws; a due process should be given to teachers or cases involving them. We also call on the DepEd to protect us and insist the innocence of teacher-suspect until proven guilty.

There are factors to consider in analyzing the cases of corporal punishment in schools. We appeal to the understanding of everyone. Please note that nobody would become a teacher if he or she does not love the children. Patience, sacrifice, understanding and most especially love for children are but natural qualities one needs in order for him or her to become a teacher. We believe that the Filipino teachers are the most patient and loving- because despite the low salaries and long years of neglect to them, they are still here serving the Filipino children. #
*This and other issues shall be discussed in a press conference called by TDC, DepEd National Employees’ Union (DepEd NEU) and Philippine Elementary School Principals Association (PESPA) this morning (September 27, 2012) at 10:00 o’clock at DepEd Ecotech Center, Lahug Cebu City.

For details:
Anabelle Dela Cerna, tdc Vice Chair for Visayas, 0929-6907602
Benjo Basas, TDC National Chair, 0920-5740241

PRESS RELEASE
September 26, 2012

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